New birthing centre at Royal Infirmary

I am pregnant (due in September) and moving to Edinburgh in August. I read online [http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/hospitals/birthingcentre/default.asp] that there is a new birthing centre due to open in the summer, which sounds great, but I see it has already been delayed. Does anyone know when it should open, and is there anyone here that wants to give birth there?

Yes, I really want to (if BP OK which it wasn't in labour last time - fingers crossed). I'm due in October and MW told me at booking-in appt it's still scheduled for the summer, but nothing more specific than that.

Am really hoping it's not delayed and that I can use it if open in time, sounds great.

She said that there are 6000 births in a year and the centre will "host" 1500 births so that means you have a 1 in 4 chance of giving birth in the centre. Apparently there is a very strict set of criteria to get in there. You need to be considered a very low risk pregnancy. I'm guessing, and it is only a guess, that I won't get in because of my higher BMI though I am going to ask next time I'm in Simpsons.

From the website.

"Around 1,500 women a year, who are assessed as being likely not to require high-tech medical interventions, will be able to have their babies in the more homely environment, but still have medical expertise nearby, if required."

I'm not holding my breath. It's a real shame it isn't a bigger unit. Apparently the original plans were for a 3000 birth unit.